AN ELONGATED SUPPORT MEMBER AND A GOODS STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

An elongated support member and a goods storage system includes an elongated support member (3,4) including two spaced wall portions (19,20) defining a channel (21) extending in a longitudinal direction of the elongated support member for receipt of an inner mounting end (22) of a support bracket (7,8,9, 10), wherein each one of the two spaced wall portions comprises at least one engagement means (23a, 23b; 24a, 24b) facing the channel for engagement with a laterally projecting engagement means of the support bracket, wherein each one of the engagement means (23a, 23b; 24a, 24b) has an open end facing in the same direction in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support member for receipt of an engagement means of the support bracket during mounting of a goods storage system.

Claims

1. An elongated support member comprising two spaced wall portions defining a channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the elongated support member for receipt of an inner mounting end of a support bracket, wherein each one of the two spaced wall portions comprises at least one engagement means facing the channel for engagement with a laterally projecting engagement means of the support bracket, wherein each one of the engagement means has an open end facing in the same direction in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support member for receipt of an engagement means of the support bracket during mounting, wherein at least one of the first engagement means and the second engagement means is formed by a portion partly cut-out and folded, and wherein at least one of the first engagement means and the second engagement means has a generally plate-shaped form.

2. The elongated support member according to claim 1, wherein two engagement means on opposite wall portions, which are adapted for engagement with two opposite laterally projecting engagement means of a single support bracket, are spaced in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support member.

3. The elongated support member according to claim 1, wherein the elongated support member comprises a plurality of pairs of engagement means, wherein each pair comprises a first engagement means on a first of said wall portions defining the channel laterally in a first direction and a second engagement means on a second of said wall portions defining the channel laterally in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are arranged at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support member and wherein the pairs of engagement means are spaced in the longitudinal direction of the support member.

4. The elongated support member according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first engagement means and the second engagement means comprises an engagement portion extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal direction of the elongated support member for achieving a wedging function during mounting of the support bracket.

5. The elongated support member according to claim 1, wherein the elongated support member has a U-shaped cross section comprising a central portion, wherein the two wall portions extend from each end of the central portion and wherein the central portion defines a valley for receipt of an edge of the support bracket.

6. The goods storage system comprising at least one elongated support member according to claim 1 for being arranged against a wall with its longitudinal direction in a vertical direction and at least one bracket, wherein the bracket comprises a mounting end for being mounted to an elongated support member, wherein the bracket comprises a plate-shaped element with a first engagement means projecting laterally in a first direction from the plate-shaped element and a second engagement means projecting laterally in a second direction from the plate-shaped element opposite the first direction, wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are positioned at the mounting end of the bracket for engagement with the elongated support member, wherein the bracket is mountable to the elongated support member by means of the laterally projecting engagement means of the bracket being engaged with the two engagement means in the two spaced wall portions of the elongated support member.

7. The goods storage system according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first engagement means and the second engagement means is formed in one piece with the plate-shaped element.

8. The goods storage system according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first engagement means (26) and the second engagement means (27) is formed by a portion partly cut-out from the plate-shaped element (28).

9. The goods storage system according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first engagement means and the second engagement means has a generally plate-shaped form.

10. The goods storage system according to claim 6, wherein the plate-shaped element comprises an edge that defines opposite main surfaces of the plate-shaped element, wherein the edge is located at the mounting end for facing the elongated support member, wherein the edge defines an extension direction and wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are spaced from each other in the extension direction of the edge.

11. The goods storage system according to claim 10, wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are spaced from the edge in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the edge.

12. The goods storage system according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first engagement means and the second engagement means comprises an engagement portion extending at an angle relative to the extension direction of the edge for achieving a wedging function during mounting.

13. The goods storage system according to claim 6, wherein the bracket comprises means for supporting a storing arrangement, wherein the storing arrangement supporting means is projecting laterally from the plate-shaped element.

14. The goods storage system according to claim 13, wherein the bracket extends between the mounting end and a free end and wherein the storing arrangement supporting means comprises a first set of at least two projections spaced in the bracket extension direction and projecting in the same direction from the bracket for supporting a first storing arrangement.

15. The goods storage system according to claim 13, wherein the storing arrangement supporting means comprises a first engagement structure projecting in a first direction from the bracket for supporting a first storing arrangement and a second engagement structure projecting from the bracket in an opposite direction relative to the first engagement structure for supporting a second storing arrangement.

16. The goods storage system according to claim 7, wherein the system comprises an elongated crossbar for being fixedly arranged against the wall with its longitudinal direction in a horizontal direction and wherein the crossbar and the elongated support member has complimentary shaped coupling means for hanging the elongated support member on the crossbar.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

[0038] In the drawings:

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of parts of a goods storage system according to a first embodiment,

[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end section of an elongated crossbar of the goods storage system according to the first embodiment,

[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an end section of an elongated support member of the goods storage system according to the first embodiment,

[0042] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the elongated support member according to FIG. 3,

[0043] FIG. 5 is a side view of a support bracket of the goods storage system according to the first embodiment,

[0044] FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the elongated support member according to FIG. 5,

[0045] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating parts of the support bracket and the elongated support member according to FIG. 1 during a mounting procedure,

[0046] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mounting end of the support bracket and an associated part of the elongated support member according to FIG. 7,

[0047] FIG. 9 is a partly cut perspective view of the support bracket and the elongated support member according to FIG. 8 in an engaged state,

[0048] FIGS. 10 and 11 are two cross sectional views of the support bracket and the elongated support member according to FIG. 9,

[0049] FIG. 12-14 are perspective views of different stages of an assembly procedure for mounting a storing arrangement to the support brackets according to the first embodiment,

[0050] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a storage system according to a second embodiment, and

[0051] FIG. 16 are perspective views of a storing arrangement according to different embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of parts of a goods storage system 1 according to a first embodiment. The goods storage system 1 is adapted to be mounted on a wall. The goods storage system 1 comprises a cross bar 2, which is intended to be attached to the wall in such a way that its longitudinal direction extends horizontally. The cross bar 2 may alternatively be termed assembly rail. The goods storage system 1 further comprises two horizontally spaced elongated support members 3,4. The elongated support member may alternatively be called upright or carrier rail or track. Each one of the elongated support members 3,4 is connected to the cross bar 2 at a first end 5,6 in a way that it hangs with its longitudinal direction extending vertically. More specifically, each elongated support member 3,4 is connected to the cross bar 2 in a way making it possible to slide the elongated support member 3,4 along the cross bar 2 to a desired position.

[0053] The goods storage system 1 further comprises a plurality of support brackets 7,8,9,10, which are mounted to the elongated support members 3,4. More specifically, the goods storage system 1 comprises two pairs 11,12 of brackets. A first bracket pair 11 comprises a first bracket 7 for being mounted on a first one 3 of said elongated support members and a second bracket 8 for being mounted on a second one 4 of said elongated support members at the same vertical height as the first bracket. In a similar manner, a second bracket pair 12 comprises a first bracket 9 for being mounted on the first elongated support member 3 and a second bracket 10 for being mounted on the second elongated support member 4 at the same vertical height as the first bracket. The second bracket pair 12 is spaced from the first bracket pair 11.

[0054] The support brackets 7,8,9,10 are identical. Each pair 11,12 of brackets is adapted to support a storing arrangement, such as a shelf. The brackets are adapted to project substantially perpendicularly from the wall in the mounted state. The arrows 25 indicate a mounting direction. The goods storage system 1 forms an adjustable system in that the brackets may be positioned and attached to the elongated support members in multiple different vertical positions. Further, the brackets 7,8,9,10 are adapted to be readily attachable and detachable to and from the elongated support members 3,4.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end section 13 of the crossbar 2. The cross bar 2 comprises a plate-shaped base portion 14, which is adapted to be arranged against the wall. The cross bar 2 further comprises a hook portion 15, which projects from a lower end of the plate-shaped base portion 14. The hook portion 15 is formed in one-piece with the plate-shaped base portion 14. More specifically, the hook portion 15 forms an upwardly angled lip. The cross bar 2 is provided with the same cross sectional shape and dimension along the complete length of the crossbar. The cross bar 2 further comprises a plurality of spaced through holes 16 in a longitudinal direction of the cross bar 2. The through holes 16 are arranged through the plate-shaped base portion 14 and are adapted for receipt of fasteners for attaching the cross bar to the wall.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an end section 17 of the elongated support member 3. The elongated support member 3 comprises means 18 for mounting the elongated support member 3 against the wall. The mounting means 18 comprises an angled slot with a complimentary design relative to the hook portion 15 of the cross bar 2 for receiving the hook portion 15. The angled slot 18 is cut into the material of the elongated support member 3 at an upper end. Thus, in a mounting operation, in a first step, the cross bar 2 is attached to the wall via fasteners so that the cross bar 2 extends horizontally. In a second step, the elongated support members 3,4 are hanged onto the cross bar 2 in a way that the hook portion 15 is received in the slot 18.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the elongated support member 3 at a section A-A in FIG. 1. The elongated support member 3 comprises two spaced wall portions 19,20 defining a channel 21 extending in a longitudinal direction of the elongated support member 3 for receipt of an inner mounting end 22 of the support bracket 7, see also FIG. 5. More specifically, the elongated support member has a partly U-shaped cross section comprising a central portion 53, wherein the two wall portions 19,20 extend from each end of the central portion. Each one of the two spaced wall portions 19,20 comprises at least one engagement means 23a,24b, see also FIG. 8, facing the channel for receipt of a laterally projecting engagement means 26,27 of the support bracket. Two engagement means 23a, 24b on opposite wall portions 19,20, which are adapted for receipt of two opposite laterally projecting engagement means 26,27 of a single support bracket 7, are spaced in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support member 3.

[0058] More specifically, the elongated support member 3 comprises a plurality of pairs of engagement means, wherein each pair comprises a first engagement means 23a, 24a on a first of said wall portions 19 defining the channel 21 laterally in a first direction and a second engagement means 23b, 24b on a second of said wall portions 20 defining the channel 21 laterally in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the first engagement means 23a, 24a and the second engagement means 23b, 24b are arranged at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support member 3 and wherein the pairs of engagement means are spaced in the longitudinal direction of the support member 3. The two elongated support members 3,4 are identical.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a side view of the support bracket 7 and FIG. 6 is a top view of the support bracket 7. The support bracket 7 comprises the mounting end 22 as mentioned above for being mounted to the elongated support member 3. The bracket 7 has a tapering shape from the mounting end 22 to a free end. The bracket 7 generally defines a right-angled triangular shape.

[0060] Further, the support bracket 7 comprises a plate-shaped element 28 with the first engagement means 26 projecting laterally in a first direction from the plate-shaped element 28 and the second engagement means 27 projecting laterally in a second direction from the plate-shaped element 28 opposite the first direction, wherein the first engagement means 27 and the second engagement means 28 are positioned at the mounting end 22 of the bracket 7 for being received in the two opposite engagement means 23a, 24b in the elongated support member 3. Both the first engagement means 26 and the second engagement means 28 is formed in one piece with the plate-shaped element 28. More specifically, each one of the first engagement means 26 and the second engagement means 27 is formed by a portion cut-out from the plate-shaped element 7 and bent/folded to a desired shape. More specifically, the first engagement means 26 and the second engagement means 27 form retention hooks. The bracket 7 may be a stamped metal component.

[0061] The plate-shaped element 28 comprises an edge 29 at the mounting end 22 for facing the elongated support member 3, wherein the edge 29 defines an extension direction 30 and wherein the first engagement means 26 and the second engagement means 27 are spaced from each other in the extension direction 30 of the edge.

[0062] The support bracket 7 further comprises means 34,35 for supporting a storing arrangement on a first side of the bracket 7. The storing arrangement supporting means 34,35 project laterally from the plate-shaped element. The bracket 7 extends between the mounting end 22 and a free end 36 and the storing arrangement supporting means 34,35 comprises two projections spaced in the bracket extension direction and projecting in the same direction from the bracket 7. More specifically, the storing arrangement supporting means 34,35 defines an opening for receipt of a complimentary shaped engagement member of the storing arrangement.

[0063] More specifically, the storing arrangement supporting means comprises a first set of at least two projections 34,35 projecting in the same direction from the bracket for supporting a first storing arrangement. Further, the storing arrangement supporting means comprises a second set of at least two projections 37,38 spaced in the bracket extension direction, which are projecting in the same direction from the bracket and in an opposite direction relative to the first set of projections 34,35 for supporting a second storing arrangement.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating parts of the support bracket 7 and the elongated support member 3 during a mounting procedure. It is also referred to FIG. 8, showing a perspective view of a mounting end of the support bracket 7 and an associated part of the elongated support member 3 during mounting. Each one of the first engagement means 26 and the second engagement means 27 comprises an engagement portion 31,32 extending at an angle a relative to the extension direction 30 of the edge 29 for achieving a wedging function relative to its associated engagement means 23a, 24b of the elongated support member 3 during mounting. Each one of the engagement portions 31,32 extends at an angle a of 1-10 degrees, preferable between 2-5 degrees and especially about 3 degrees relative to the extension direction 30 of the edge 29. Each one of the engagement portions 31,32 is formed by a plate-shaped portion that has been cut and pressed out from the body of the plate-shaped element 28. At least one section of the respective plate-shaped portion is arranged with the angular relationship relative to the extension direction 30 of the edge 29.

[0065] In a similar manner as has been described above for the bracket, at least one of the first engagement means 23a, 24a and the second engagement means 23b, 24b of the elongated support member 3 comprises an engagement portion 123a, 124b extending at an angle α relative to a longitudinal direction of the elongated support member 3. The engagement portions 123a, 124b are adapted to receive and engage with the engagement portions 31,32 of the bracket 7 for guiding the bracket to its desired position relative to the elongated support member 3 during mounting.

[0066] Each one of the engagement portions 123a, 124b extends at an angle α of 1-10 degrees, preferable between 2-5 degrees and especially about 3 degrees relative to the extension direction of the elongated support member 3. Each one of the engagement portions 123a, 124b is formed by a plate-shaped portion that has been cut and pressed out from the body of the elongated support member 3. At least one section of the respective plate-shaped portion is arranged with the angular relationship relative to the extension direction of the elongated support member 3.

[0067] Further, each one of the engagement means 23a,23b ; 24a,24b has an open end facing in the same direction in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support member for receipt of the complimentary shaped engagement means 26, 27 of the support bracket 7 during mounting. More specifically, at least one of the engagement means 23a,23b; 24a,24b defines an opening for receipt of the engagement means 26,27 of the support bracket 7. The arrow 33 indicate a mounting direction.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a partly cut perspective view of the support bracket 7 and the elongated support member 3 according to FIG. 8 in an engaged state. FIGS. 10 and 11 are two cross sectional views of the support bracket 7 and the elongated support member 3 according to FIG. 9 at section C-C and section B-B. It may be noted that a contact surface of the edge 29 of the support bracket 7 contacts a complimentary shaped contact surface of the elongated support member 3 in the mounted state. More specifically, the central portion 53 of the U-shaped elongated support member 3 defines a valley 54 for receipt of the edge 29 of the support bracket 7. The valley 54 extends in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support member. The valley 54 is dimensioned for supporting the bracket 3 on either side in the mounted state. Thus, the central portion 53 comprises wall sections defining the valley, wherein a spacing between two wall sections defining the valley laterally is adapted to be substantially the same as a lateral extension of the bracket 7 at the mounting end 22.

[0069] FIG. 12-14 are perspective views of consecutive stages of an assembly procedure for a storage system 50 according to a first embodiment. The assembly procedure comprises mounting a storing arrangement 40 in the form of a shelf to the support brackets 7,8. The shelf 40 has a rectangular plate shape and is formed by a grid. The shelf 40 comprises connection means 41, 42 at each one of its opposite ends facing the brackets 7,8 for engagement with the storing arrangement supporting means 34,35 of the bracket 7 and the corresponding storing arrangement supporting means of the bracket 8. More specifically, the connection means 41, 42 comprises two projections spaced in an extension direction of the associated short side of the shelf. Further, the projections extend perpendicular to a plane defined by the shelf. A first one of the connection means 41 has an L-shape for supporting below a portion of a first one of the storing arrangement supporting means 34 of the bracket 7. A second one of the connection means 42 has a portion 43 projecting in parallel with a main extension direction of the shelf for a snap fit relative to a second one of the storing arrangement supporting means 35 of the bracket 7.

[0070] At a first stage of mounting the shelf 40, see FIG. 12, the shelf 40 is lowered from above towards the brackets 7,8, see arrows 44, in a way that the connection means 41,42 at either short side of the shelf engages the storing arrangement supporting means 34,35 of each one of the brackets 7,8. Thus, the shelf 40 is moved in a vertical direction downwards while the shelf is held in a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0071] At a second stage of mounting the shelf 40, see FIG. 13, the shelf 40 is pushed horizontally towards the wall in a way that the L-shaped connection means 41 support below a portion of a first one of the storing arrangement supporting means 34 of the bracket 7.

[0072] At a third stage of mounting the shelf 40, see FIG. 14, an outer longer side of the shelf 40 is pushed downwards, see arrow 46, so that the snap-fitting means 43 engages its respective storing arrangement supporting means 35 of the bracket 7.

[0073] A similar arrangement of connection means (not shown) are provided at the opposite short end of the rectangular shelf for simultaneous engagement with corresponding storing arrangement supporting means of the bracket 8 during the mounting procedure.

[0074] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a storage system 150 according to a second embodiment. The storage system 150 comprises a crossbar 102 and four elongated support members 103,104,160,161 according to the first embodiment. The elongated support members 103,104,160,161 are arranged with mutual spacing in an extension direction of the cross bar 102. Further, the storage system 150 comprises a plurality of support brackets according to the first embodiment, wherein four brackets 107,108,162,163 are arranged one at each elongated support member 103,104,160,161 and at the same height for supporting three shelves 140,164,165 forming a single support surface for goods or other items. Due to the fact that each one of the brackets 107,108,162,163 has a single wall construction, it occupies a small distance between two adjacent shelves on opposite sides of the bracket. Thus, a total storage surface of the system is optimized and form an almost seamless structure.

[0075] FIG. 16 are perspective views of a storing arrangement according to different embodiments for use in association with the brackets. Each one of the storing arrangements has a generally rectangular shape. According to a first example, a solid shelf 170 in the form of a board is shown. The board may be a wood based panel. Further, an upper main surface of the board has a planar shape. According to a second example, which is a variant of the first example, a solid shelf 171 is provided with a structure on the upper main surface. The structure comprises a plurality of parallel ridges extending in parallel with a main extension direction of the shelf. According to a third example, a shelf 172 is formed by a grid of metallic rods extending perpendicular relative to each other and spaced form each other. According to a third example, a shelf 173 is formed by a plurality of parallel metallic rods extending in parallel with a main extension direction of the shelf. According to a fourth example, a storing arrangement 174 is formed by a plurality of parallel metallic rods extending in parallel with each other and perpendicularly relative to a main extension direction of the storing arrangement. The rods are further spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the main extension direction of the storing arrangement. More specifically, the metallic rods are attached at an inner end to a support but are free at an outer end. Such a storing arrangement may be used for supporting trousers or other clothes, which may be folded around a respective one of the rods. According to a fifth example, a storing arrangement 175 comprises a U-shaped support 176 provided with connection means at each leg 177,178 for connection to the respective storing arrangement supporting means of the brackets. Further, the legs 177,178 of the U-shaped support has the shape of rails for guiding edges of a basket 179. Thus, the goods storage system forms a modular system.

[0076] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0077] According to one variant, the elongated support members may be attached to the crossbar via an intermediate coupling member. According to a further variant, the elongated support members may be attached directly to the wall, wherein the crossbar would be superfluous.

[0078] According to a further variant, the elongated support member may not necessarily be provided with multiple pairs of engagement means, wherein each pair is longitudinally spaced from an adjacent pair. Instead, the pattern of two engagement means on opposite wall portions, which are adapted for engagement with two opposite laterally projecting engagement means of a single support bracket and which are spaced in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support member, may be repeated in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support member. In other words, the design of the elongated support member is not limited to a symmetrical design regarding the positions of the engagement means.

[0079] According to a further variant, the support bracket and the associated elongated support member may be designed so that the bracket is solely supported by the elongated support member via the engagement means. In other words, the edge of the support bracket may be arranged at a distance from the central portion of the U-shaped elongated support member in the mounted state.